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Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Stephen Tsai writes about UH's kiko alignment, which is similar in look to Nevada's pistol, but serves a different function.

The Warriors like the look of the formation, but insist the two teams' formations are nothing alike. UH head coach Greg McMackin said Nevada's offense is really a run-oriented, double-dive scheme. McMackin said the Warriors' scheme is an extension of their run-and-shoot passing offense.

UH offensive coordinator Nick Rolovich said he likes the "symmetry" of aligning the running back directly behind the quarterback. Rolovich said it disguises the direction of the running play, as well as makes it easier for the back to block an on-rushing defender.

In previous years, if the back were aligned on the right of the quarterback, defenses would overload the weak side.

Tsai also had news and notes about Spencer Smith, Greg Salas and Jeramy Bryant.

Bryant is tied for the national lead with four interceptions this season.

In Saturday's 49-27 upset of Fresno State, Bryant had two interceptions -- returning one 48 yards for a touchdown -- and a pass deflection. He made two key third-down tackles.

"It was a redemption game for him," said Miano, noting Bryant struggled in last year's meeting against Fresno State.

In the preseason, the Warriors were picked by the media to finish seventh in the WAC. And during the season, Hawaii has been an underdog in four of its five games against FBS foes.

But the Warriors have surprised both the media and the oddsmakers this season, racing to a 4-2 start and leading the WAC with a 2-0 record.

Murray also has news and notes. Chris Ault talks about possibly keeping the UH-Nevada series alive:

The series dates back to 1920, when Nevada became the first mainland team to play in Hawaii. Ault was noncommittal when asked Monday if he thought the series would continue.

"We'll see," Ault said. "It depends on the situation, and home and away. It might be something worth looking at. Going back to being the first mainland team to play at Hawaii, there's a lot of tradition there, so you never know."

Aside from its 31-13 loss to Colorado, the Warriors have scored at least 31 points in every game this season and have scored 41 and 49 points in its two conference games against Louisiana Tech and Fresno State.

Nevada’s defense may be improved from last year, but its still far from perfect. The Wolf Pack is allowing 229.7 pass yards per game (82nd in the nation).

Despite the high passing yardage allowed, Nevada’s defense has made a lot more big plays this season, already collecting eight interceptions compared to just eight all of last season.

NFL scouts had been telling me to keep an eye on Hawaii receiver Greg Salas and against Fresno State - which entered the WAC showdown ranked No. 2 in the country in pass defense - it was easy to see why. Salas' combination of ideal size and underrated maneuverability destroyed the Bulldog secondary to the tune of nine catches for 148 yards and three scores. Lined up inside and out to present matchup problems, Salas was consistently able to get free over the middle, catching two touchdowns in the first half.